Prested Hall offered a swim and lunch option for a very reasonable £10 per head

Reviewed by Stephanie Mackentyre

WITH the onset of spring, thoughts turn to baring a bit more flesh on the beach, so I thought I’d go in search of a healthier dining option. A quick bit of research revealed that Feering’s Prested Hall offered a swim and lunch option for a very reasonable �10 per head. Ideal for meeting a girlfriend or just taking a bit of time out perhaps. The hotel is easy to find as it’s set back from the A12 southbound at the junction for Kelvedon and Tiptree, but be aware that the sign for Prested Hall is just past the turning, so don’t miss it. The hotel is a part-moated country house while the club is found by driving past the hotel for another 100 yards or so and parking near the large barn-style building, where real tennis is played. Step through a couple of doors and you’re met by a large, bright club lounge and reception. The staff greeted me warmly and there’s no need to be a member to take advantage of these lunches. I was given a personal tour of the facilities and my lunch choices taken from the Club menu so that my meal could be ready directly after my swim. I noticed beauty therapy rooms and a fitness studio and hair salon too en route to the changing rooms. The pool is all one depth, pleasantly warm and you have the use of the well-proportioned steam and sauna rooms too. There’s no lifeguard on duty, however there was plenty of room to swim or just relax on the sun loungers nearby and it was very peaceful.Once showered and dressed I walked back to the club lounge for my lunch. To begin I’d chosen leek and potato soup, the soup was piping hot and served with a brown bread roll. Next came butternut squash quiche with rocket and pine nuts served with a fresh, dressed salad and new potatoes. The portions of both starter and main were generous, however, I’d have liked to see more use of some of the fresh herbs from their organic gardens to give the quiche more edge.I noticed there are also special brunch packages every weekend, with a buffet of smoothies, muesli, pastries, croissants and fresh fruit and then a hot dish choice too. They are reasonably priced at just �8.50 and served from 10.30am to 3pm for both members and non-members. After my extremely enjoyable yet healthy lunch, I celebrated my new found salubriousness with one of the chef’s homemade flapjacks.

Useful to knowThe total bill came to �10 for two courses, a cup of tea and a flapjack. This is an independent review, featuring a restaurant selected and experienced by our food and wine editor. The restaurant was not told it was being reviewed.

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3 other healthy dining options for you to try

Clarice HouseKingsford ParkLayer RoadColchesterCO2 0HS01206 734301We say: Make a day of it with a Bliss Day package which includes use of the pool, treatments and lunch.

Greenwoods Hotel, Spa and RetreatStock RoadStockCM4 9BE01277 829990We say: With a choice of day spa packages which include a two-course lunch, just pick one and chill out.

Maison TalboothStratford RoadDedhamColchesterCO7 6HN01206 322367We say: Relax in the fabulous Pool House or try a treatment as part of a Spa Day indulgence, with sensational food served in the charming Garden Room restaurant.

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The ClubPrested HallFeeringColchesterCO5 9EE01376 573399